📎 This article includes 1 downloadable practice file ↓
In this article
N returns numbers unchanged, TRUE as 1 and text as 0. Its oddest use is hiding a note inside a formula.
Syntax
=N(value)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
value |
Anything. |
Examples
Example 1
=SUM(B2:B10)+N("Excludes returns, see sheet R")A note inside the formula that adds 0.
N in practice
Where you will use it
- Add an invisible comment inside a formula: +N("note")
- Turn TRUE into 1
- Old Lotus compatibility
Worked example
| Value | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| TRUE | =N(A2) | 1 |
| Pune | =N(A3) | 0 |
| 42 | =N(A4) | 42 |
Results calculated in Excel.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Text numbers | N("5") is 0; use VALUE |
| Dates | Return their serial number |
Related functions
📚 Part of the free Excel course: Beginner → Expert · Try it in the Formula Lab or ask the AI Helper.
⚡ Interactive Practice Lab & Formula Tester:
Test formulas dynamically in our web formula laboratory or download the companion Excel workbook.
📎 Practice files for this article
- 📗Practice workbook: Information (IS…) functions15 tasks on realistic sales data — type your formula, the Check column turns green when it is right. Answers sheet included.⬇ XLSX · 34 KB
Free to use for learning. Files with macros (.bas) are plain text — import them with Alt+F11 → File → Import File, and always test on a copy.
✨ Ask AI about this article
Stuck on a step? Ask a question and the AI answers using this article.
Free · AI can be wrong